Weekend action from Southport and Birkdale Hockey Club

SOUTHPORT Ladies’ first team secured its fourth win in a row with an impressive victory against Blackpool. Southport maintained a majority of possession in the first half and went 1-0 up after a short corner strike by Jo Wilde. Just before half time the away team doubled their lead through a Janet Morton penalty. Blackpool came out hard in the second half and put Southport under a lot of pressure before sloppy defending allowed the home side to get a goal. Southport too had a number of chances, but some quality goalkeeping kept the score at just two. Becky Warner and Judith Gent shared player of the match for their top performances.

Southport Ladies’ II 5 - 0 Garstang Ladies’ III

Southport continued their promotion push with a convincing 5-0 win against Garstang. After starting slowly they were lucky to find themselves 2-0 up at half time, but they stepped up a gear in the second half, snatching another three goals. Goalscorers were Emily Goodwin (2), Sophie Goodwin (2) and Katie Leicester (1). Outstanding performances came from Sarah Forrester and Fiona Beckham, who shone in defence throughout, and Alice Chan who worked tirelessly in midfield to win player of the match.

Blackpool Ladies’ III 2 – 3 Southport Ladies’ III

After a number of weeks without a league game Southport took to the pitch ready for action, only to concede an early goal. Spirits did not drop and within minutes a superb goal from in-form Rachel Utterson put Port back in the running. A goal from Hannah Williams shortly followed for the away side but before half time Blackpool levelled. Player of the match, Carol Thomas, narrowly missed out on a goal and hit the post, much to Hannah Williams’ gain who converted the shot to get her second of the game. Tracy Rimmington and Madaline Critchley were also superb.

Kirkby Lonsdale I 2 – 1 Southport Men’s IV

Despite heroic work from Gray, Milner and O’Donnell, Kirkby were two up at half time. Keeping heads high, Southport pressed more in the second half and Nick Gray was on hand to narrow the deficit. Devlin kept Southport in the game with brave work from short corners, but unlucky Dan Hollyman and Smith could not strike the equaliser. Excellent performances came from Milner and O’Donnell and a cameo from Carlos Hollyman gave Southport hope for the next fixture.